South Leicestershire MP, Alberto Costa, held a virtual meeting with senior representatives from Aggregate Industries and local councillors to hear about plans to expand Croft Quarry and extend the lifespan of the site.
Proposals put forward by Aggregate Industries to Leicestershire County Council include plans to further extract minerals from the site and then to fill-in the quarry with inert materials such as clay, soils, concrete and rubble.
The plans will help create a long-term wildlife park for the local area and avoid the dangers associated with other quarries filled with water in order to help keep residents safe.
Since Croft Quarry first opened over 130 years ago, it has been an essential anchor to the local community and contributes about £8 million towards the local economy.
Alberto said, "I was most interested to hear the proposed plans for expanding the usage of the site at Croft Quarry, and it’s eventual future as a wildlife park for residents. The Quarry has a rich and deep history in South Leicestershire and has been a consistent source of employment and economic benefit for some years and I am pleased to see this continuing. I know some residents have expressed concern about the materials being used to fill the quarry, but I have received assurances that these will be non-hazardous and of course, Leicestershire County Council will be looking at this closely”.
Kirsten Hannaford-Hill on behalf of Aggregate Industries said "Croft Quarry has a long and prominent history and is a strategic site of importance to Aggregate Industries. As part of securing the long term future of the Quarry the Company has sought the support of Alberto Costa regarding a current planning application to extend the life of mineral extraction at Croft Quarry and to enable a beneficial restoration of wetland conservation, visitor centre and improved rights of way through the importation of restoration material via rail.
The Company places great value in our relationship with the Community. The proposed planning application has been designed to limit any environmental impact and to protect our neighbours and provide long term benefits to employment, community greenspace, habitat creation and community funding."
Councillor Maggie Wright has said “We have a good working relationship with Aggregate Industries through our quarterly liaison meetings. These provide a good opportunity to voice local resident and community concerns”
Alberto concluded, "I am pleased that the long-term plans for Croft Quarry will continue to benefit the local community through job opportunities, supply chain opportunities and also educational benefits. I am working with Aggregate Industries and our excellent local Councillors to secure a substantial community fund for the surrounding villages so that the site’s legacy can be secured through giving back to local people by supporting community projects and infrastructure”.
